Maybe Kids Should Have a Say in How They Receive Information?
How much order should be implemented by a teacher?
What does a student-driven classroom look like?
I think that all teachers that are interested in democracy in the classroom ask these questions on a regular basis. I think that the answers are as different as the individuals involved.
I want students to feel ownership of the class and the material I teach. I want them to recognize their participation is needed if they are too learn. I don't want them to feel that learning is something that happens to them, but instead, something that they choose to do.
Currently I am trying to answer my questions by letting the students select the mode of presentation that I use to introduce and practice the curriculum. There are four different ways I can present the lesson, each equally valid, but some more interesting than others. One manner of presentation has me drawing pictures, one way has a few children from the class acting out a story, one is just writing, and one involves a bunch of reading. I have a favorite, but that doesn't mean it is the best way for the majority of the people in the room with me. Maybe the kids should have a say in how they receive the information?
Sure.... let's give it a try!
For the past two weeks, each class has voted on the method used to receive the new lesson for the day. I have written the options for presentation on the board, and given each option a number. I have the students do a quick show of fingers for their top two choices, then take a quick scan of the room. I survey for the top two choices, and then a discussion begins. Students who feel strongly about the method they choose are given a chance to state their opinions. Kids often say that one way is more fun to watch, or it keeps them more interested in the topic. They say that one way is better than another for visual learners, or kids who learn through movement, or kids that listen to learn...
Students then vote on the method as a class....and the result tailors how I teach.
I did a poll today to see how they liked having the additional control. Out of the seventy kids asked, only one said that it didn't work for him.
Democracy rules.
Posted in Teaching on Apr 08, 2010 - 10:46 PM
How much control should students have in a classroom?How much order should be implemented by a teacher?
What does a student-driven classroom look like?
I think that all teachers that are interested in democracy in the classroom ask these questions on a regular basis. I think that the answers are as different as the individuals involved.
I want students to feel ownership of the class and the material I teach. I want them to recognize their participation is needed if they are too learn. I don't want them to feel that learning is something that happens to them, but instead, something that they choose to do.
Currently I am trying to answer my questions by letting the students select the mode of presentation that I use to introduce and practice the curriculum. There are four different ways I can present the lesson, each equally valid, but some more interesting than others. One manner of presentation has me drawing pictures, one way has a few children from the class acting out a story, one is just writing, and one involves a bunch of reading. I have a favorite, but that doesn't mean it is the best way for the majority of the people in the room with me. Maybe the kids should have a say in how they receive the information?
Sure.... let's give it a try!
For the past two weeks, each class has voted on the method used to receive the new lesson for the day. I have written the options for presentation on the board, and given each option a number. I have the students do a quick show of fingers for their top two choices, then take a quick scan of the room. I survey for the top two choices, and then a discussion begins. Students who feel strongly about the method they choose are given a chance to state their opinions. Kids often say that one way is more fun to watch, or it keeps them more interested in the topic. They say that one way is better than another for visual learners, or kids who learn through movement, or kids that listen to learn...
Students then vote on the method as a class....and the result tailors how I teach.
I did a poll today to see how they liked having the additional control. Out of the seventy kids asked, only one said that it didn't work for him.
Democracy rules.
Tags for this entry:
curriculum,
control,
choice
Sara Schmidt
Apr 13, 2010 - 02:34 AM
How cool, Alison! I love this idea, and it looks like your students do as well. And you’re teaching so much more than the lesson itself—you’re teaching about democracy, decision-making, compromise, and so much more.